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Warm Apple Cider Cocktail

This deliciously easy Warm Apple Cider Cocktail is the perfectly spiced drink to warm you and your guests up this fall season.

A TASTY APPLE BEVERAGE

When it comes to autumn, one of my favorite treats is fresh apple cider. We have a local apple orchard that squeezes it up fresh every apple season and it’s like you’re drinking liquid apple! This Warm Apple Cider Cocktail is a deliciously simple way to turn that fresh apple cider into a warming, comforting, adult-only beverage. Also, full disclosure, I’m not that great at making a lot of different types of cocktails (I know some good basics) and so I don’t have a liquor cabinet with a ton of alcohol so I work with what I have. However, I give tips below for other options you might have on hand. This really is a delicious cocktail to warm you up on those chilly nights! If you are looking for a tasty, autumn-inspired drink, then you have to try this Warm Apple Cider Cocktail recipe.

Warm Apple Cider Cocktail in glass with star anise and cinnamon stick on rim.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this with apple juice?

If you can’t get your hands on apple cider, you can make this with apple juice. I recommend if you are going to make this with apple juice, get the unfiltered kind by Tree Top. But really try to get the cider – it blends so much better with this recipe.

Do I have to use vodka and what kind?

Some good vodka brands are Smirnoff, Svedka, Absolut and Pinnacle. You could even have some fun with flavored vodkas like caramel or whipped cream flavor. If you don’t like vodka, you can also use rum, tequila or whiskey. Many folks also enjoy brandy in spiced apple cider as well.

Can this be made non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! This recipe started off as a non-alcoholic drink for me and my family. It’s one I make often in the fall and I don’t add vodka. It still tastes so warm and comforting.

How do I best serve this drink?

This can be served any way that you like! You can fill a glass and garnish with star anise or a cinnamon stick to give it extra flavor while you sip. This can also be placed in a 2-3 quart round slow cooker on the warm setting and guests can serve themselves.

Do I need to use star anise?

No. Star anise has a flavor similar to black licorice so most folks either love it or hate it. It is not a strong flavor in this recipe. It just enhances the overall flavors together with the other spices. But it is not absolutely necessary to make this drink taste delicious. So don’t go out of your way to track it down just for this recipe.

How do I store?

You can store it in your refrigerator covered or in an airtight container for up to four days. To reheat you can slowly heat over the stove or in the microwave. It should be a gentle heat. You don’t want the heat too high or the alcohol will burn off.

Pinterest image of Warm Apple Cider Cocktail Recipe in handled glass with cinnamon stick and star anise.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)

  • apple cider
  • brown sugar
  • cinnamon stick
  • star anise
  • whole cloves
  • allspice
  • vodka
Ingredients needed: apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, 
star anise, whole cloves, allspice and vodka.


HOW TO MAKE A WARM APPLE CIDER COCKTAIL:

In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and allspice. 

Apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, 
star anise, whole cloves and allspice
 added to sauce pan.

Bring the mixture up to a boil over high heat. Once the mixture comes to a boil, turn the heat down to low and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. 

Cocktail ingredients simmering in saucepan.

Use a mesh strainer to remove the spices from the cider. 

Cider ingredients being strained through a fine mesh strainer.

Pour the vodka into the cider.

Vodka being poured into ciderrr mixture.

Stir to combine.

Warm Apple Cider Cocktail in a clear glass pitcher.

Pour into glasses and serve warm.

Overhead of Warm Apple Cider Cocktail in glass with garnishes next to a apple.

WANT MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES?

Square image of Warm Apple Cider Cocktail in clear glass with star anise and cinnamon stick next to apple.

Warm Apple Cider Cocktail

This deliciously easy Warm Apple Cider Cocktail is the perfectly spiced drink to warm you and your guests up this fall season.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, and allspice.
  • Bring the mixture up to a boil over high heat. Once the mixture comes to a boil, turn the heat down to low and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Use a mesh strainer to remove the spices from the cider.
  • Pour the vodka into the cider and serve warm.

Notes

  1. Double this batch to make more to serve more people.
  2. Use your favorite vodka, tequila and whiskey can also be used.
  3. Apple juice can be substituted if you cannot find apple cider.
  4. This can be kept warm in a 2-3 quart round slow cooker for guests to serve themselves.
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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